From December 1 through to March 31, dogs are not permitted on Warrnambool’s busy stretch of beach between the Flume and the Breakwater.

“The summer months and start of autumn are when more people want to use the beach and so we ask that people walk their dogs elsewhere during that period,” Warrnambool City Council Local Laws Co-ordinator Peter McArdle said.

“It’s the simplest way to avoid conflict or inconvenience.

“There are still plenty of options for dog owners wishing to talk their dogs in public spaces.”

Dogs are permitted on a leash in the following areas:

residential streets and in the CBD

Blue Hole Reserve (Hopkins River Bridge to mouth, east side

foreshore walking tracks, including foreshore promenade

Russells Creek track

A number of areas have been designated off-leash areas however a lead must be carried and dogs must be under effective voice control and remain 30m beyond playgrounds, barbecue and picnic areas, sporting events or public meetings.

Designated off-leash areas are:

Albert Park (excluding sporting grounds)

Beach area, Hopkins River (west side) to Flume

Merri River areas of public open space in the vicinity of Manuka Drive, Membrey Way and Ponting Drive